CARMEL, IN — ADESA Boston's 12th Annual Classic Car and Motorcycle Run, which was held on Sept. 16, benefited Autism Speaks.

The ADESA Boston Classic Car and Motorcycle Run boasts more than 200 motorcycles and 100 vintage vehicles in its 30-mile police escorted “run” through several Massachusetts towns — including Framingham, Weston, Waltham and Newton.

It all started back in 2001 with a conversation between Tom Caruso, ADESA CEO and president, and Jack Neshe, ADESA Boston general manager.

“One day, I was talking motorcycles, Tommy was talking classic cars, and the idea just clicked,” Neshe said. “Today, this event—and the amount we’ve been able to donate to a variety of children’s charities—have both grown substantially throughout the years.”

To date, ADESA Boston has donated nearly $450,000 to children’s charities such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Children’s Hospital Boston, Northern New England Down Syndrome Congress, and this year, to Autism Speaks.

“Thanks to all of the support we receive from our employees, our customers, local businesses and local law enforcement agencies, no expenses are taken out of the proceeds and all the money raised goes directly to the charity,”  Neshe explained.